We take a look at all of Apple's iPods past and present. It's sure been a journey since that chunky, black-and-white original.
The iPod has come a long way since the introduction of the original 5GB model more than in 2001. In 2002, Apple doubled the iPod's capacity and added the signature solid-state scrollwheel. A year later, the capacity had increased to as much as 40GB. And 2004 saw the introduction of several new iPods, including the mighty Mini, the pricey Photo, and the black U2 iPod. In early 2005, we witnessed the splashy arrival of the flash-based USB key Shuffle, the 30GB iPod Photo, and the updated Mini, which added a 6GB version to the series as well as improved battery life. Then came the 20GB photo-friendly iPod (Apple dropped "Photo" from the name of this and the 60GB versions) and the colorised iPod U2 Special Edition.
Late in late 2005, the dynasty continued with the arrival of the flash-based iPod wunderkind, the 1GB, 2GB and 4GB Nano in black or white. It meant the end of the line for the iPod Mini. Meanwhile the superthin 5G iPod (30GB and 60GB sizes, white or black) lost some weight but gained a bigger screen and an appetite for video. In 2006, Apple released a new metallic Nano, changed the Shuffle into a fashionable belt clip, and introduced the U2 Special Edition iPod (5G).
Now in late 2007, the latest crop of iPods has landed with bunch of further tweaks. There are more subdued colours on Shuffle and Nano lines, with the third-gen Nano now completely re-profiled (it's wider and shorter than before) so that it can play back video. Apple has also increased the capacity of the hard drive-based iPod -- now dubbed the Classic -- to a capacious 160GB. The iPod interface has undergone its biggest change in years, with the Nano and the Classic offering split-screen browsing with front-and-centre album art. And there's now a new hero model, the iPod Touch, which is basically a thinner, phone-less iPhone. The Touch offers all the multimedia capabilities of an iPhone -- WiFi browsing included -- you just can't make calls from it. And as icing on the cake, the Touch supports over-the-air purchasing of iTunes tracks.
Apple iPod Touch
If the Touch is the player that you want, that you really, really want, you've probably got one already. Fence-sitters should stay there until next year when third-party apps or version 2.0 comes out.
Apple iPod Classic
The name suggests more of the same but with more space and better value. Hard disk lag issues, video out controversy and just okay sound stop it from being a true classic though.
Apple iPod Nano (3rd generation)
Honey, I shrunk the iPod! The new nano has all the features of its big brother, the Classic, but in a smaller package with fewer gigabytes.
Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd generation, 1GB)
Still screenless, the second generation iPod Shuffle is, according to Steve Jobs, the smallest MP3 player in the world.
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nickyjay21
08/08/2005 09:21 PM
Whilst they are busy making wonderful products they should also be looking to look after their dealership base - noticed Apple was also suing a teenager for revealing Apple secrets. Disgraceful. Apple needs to remember where they started - in a garage!!!
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dom
03/03/2006 10:30 PM
why don't people talk about ipod minis now there way better than ipod nanos put some more ads bout the minis plz
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a
22/03/2006 07:59 PM
60GB IPOD VIDEO ROCKS!! GREAT MP3, PHOTO, VIDEO PLAYER, AND DOUBLES AS A HARD DRIVE KICKS ANY MP3 PLAYER'S ****
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bjston
07/09/2007 01:09 PM
the ipod looks very interesting and should be used successfully
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lil0lou
19/10/2007 10:04 PM
Ok should i go for a new ipod nano or te new touch. Is it worth spending $130 more to get a bigger device with internet capabilities??!! What u think?
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sahar
23/10/2007 04:02 PM
omg i so want the new baby ipod its so cute and small and it can even play videos.
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ipodnano3rd
03/11/2007 09:04 PM
New ipod nano- 3rd generation- is great- worth buying.
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Freogirl
02/12/2007 08:41 PM
I can't believe my iPod only came out in 2005... it feels ancient compared to the new iPod classic, no video, no games, no flipping through cover art to select the next song.... I can't wait for Christmas...
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